This trip features all the highlights of China: the splendor of Imperial Beijing, the astonishing Terra-cotta Warriors in Xian, the sophistication of cosmopolitan Shanghai, the delicate beauty of Suzhou and breathtaking scenery of Guilin.

With our local expertise, we seek to show our guests aspects of the country and its main destinations that are beyond the reach of more conventional tours. In Beijing we tour the hutongs by rickshaw for a glimpse of domestic life in the courtyards and the quiet lanes. In Guilin, we take time to admire the serene beauty of the region around Yangshuo, and take a hike in the amazing Dragon Spine Terraces in Longsheng.

Day 1

Home / Beijing

Relax on your transcontinental flight to Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the bustling capital of the People¹s Republic of China. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to the centrally located traditional courtyard style boutique hotel for four nights stay.

Day 3

Beijing

Today we travel to the outskirts of the city to visit the legendary Great Wall, the imposing 2,000 year old structure snaking up and over the surrounding hills. After a lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we visit the China's "Valley of Kings" where the tomb mounds and memorial halls of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty are nestled at the foot of the Heavenly Longevity Mountains. Return to the city in late afternoon. This evening, attend a special dinner featuring the delicacy of Peking roast duck at one of the finest restaurants in town. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Beijing

The heart of the old city of Beijing was the " Forbidden City" Imperial Palace, a 200-acre complex of ceremonial halls, opulent living quarters, broad courtyards, intimate gardens and secret treasure houses which served as both the seat of government and home for 24 emperors from 1420 to 1911. Following a morning guided tour of the Palace, visit the famous Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong raised the flag of the People's Republic on October 1, 1949. Lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the imperial garden Summer Palace with its lovely pagodas, pavilions and courtyards situated around the scenic Kunming Lake. If time permits, a stop will also be made at the beautiful Temple Of Heaven, located in a large park and housing the impressive Hall of Prayers. We end the day with the pleasure of an evening cultural performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theatre. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Beijing

In the morning, we take rickshaws for a fascinating tour of Beijing¹s hutongs, old narrow lanes lined with ancient courtyard houses, giving us a glimpse into the daily life of Beijing residents. En route, we climb to the top of Drum Tower, used to report time in Ancient China, for a panoramic view of old Beijing. After lunch, you are free to explore the city this afternoon. (B, L)

Day 6

Beijing / Xian

We fly to Xian, a former grand capital of 11 Chinese dynasties, renowned for its wealth of antiquities. A city tour takes us to the 700 year old City Walls and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best history museums in the nation. We stay at Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel for two nights. (B, L)

Day 7

Xian

We have an excursion to the world renowned Terra-cotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of the first emperor of Qin Dynasty for over 2000 years. We also visit the Huaqin Hot Springs and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Back in the city, we visit the Grand Mosque and its nearby Muslim living quarters. In the evening, we enjoy a fabulous Tang Dynasty Dance and Music performance. (B, L, D).

Day 8

Xian / Guilin

A two-hour flight brings you to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities that brings to life the classical scenery celebrated in Chinese paintings. Visit the underground wonders of the Reed Flute Cave or perhaps take some free time to stroll or bicycle around and enjoy the town's quiet charm. There are three rivers and two lakes traversing the city, and they are all lit up in the evening, creating a charming, festive scene. Overnight at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel. (B, L)

Day 9

Yangshuo

Take a leisurely cruise along the Li River, which winds its way through the pointed, craggy hills, rice paddies, limestone rock formations and be charmed by the romantic effects of mist and cloud. After lunch on board, disembark at the charming town of Yangshuo. Guided visit to the local farms and the Moon Hill. In the evening, you are free to explore the bustling West Street. Stay overnight at Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel by the banks of the Li River. (B, L, D)

Day 10

Yangshuo / Longsheng / Guilin

This morning we depart for Ping An, a quaint mountainside village near Longsheng. This three hour drive will be one of the most scenic of the trip, as the road crisscrosses across steep mountains and over a rushing river. The rice terraces of Longsheng, and in particular the area known as the Dragon¹s Spine Rice Terrace, is truly one of the marvels of the world. The region has a large number of ethnic Chinese minorities such as Yao, Zhuang and Dong. They preserve many traditional ways of life and many still wear colorful traditional clothing. We will spend time hiking and photographing this amazing area before returning Guilin. Overnight stay at Lijiang Waterfall hotel. (B, L)

Day 11

Guilin / Shanghai

In the morning, there is more time to explore the beauty of Guilin before your afternoon flight to Shanghai, China¹s most cosmopolitan city. On arrival, transfer to the deluxe Jinjiang Hotel or similar for three nights stay. Free time in the evening for your independent exploration of this vibrant city. (B, L)

Day 12

Shanghai

Shanghai, China¹s most populous city with 13 million inhabitants and more than 3,000 skyscrapers, is China's capital of commerce, industry, and finance. We start the day with a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for stunning panoramas of the city, then head downstairs and visit the excellent Municipal History Museum. Next we head to the old Chinese quarter, site of Shanghai¹s original settlement, and visit Yuyuan, a delightful, classical 16th Century Chinese garden with artfully placed pools, rock gardens, and hilltop pavilions. After lunch at the elegant Lubolang Restaurant, we will take a short stroll on the Bund overlooking the Huangpu River with its backdrop of early 20th century buildings, then head to the Shanghai Museum with China's premier collection of sculpture, bronzes and paintings. In the evening, enjoy a performance of the city's famous Acrobatics Show. (B, L, D)

Day 13

Suzhou

A short enjoyable train ride takes us to Suzhou, the ancient moated city famed for it its gardens and silk, and described by the Chinese as "a paradise on earth". Take a scenic riverside walk from Surging Water Pavilion to the Garden of Master of the Nets and enjoy the scenery of traditional houses and small bridges often compared to the canal landscape of Venice. Then we visit the largest and most popular gardens. called Humble Administrator's Garden. Before catching our train back to Shanghai, we also visit the ancient city gates and the Silk Embroidery Research Institute. Return to Shanghai in the early evening, with free time the rest of the day. (B, L)

Day 14

Shanghai / Home

Transfer to airport for your homeward flight. Or extend your journey to another destination in the Orient. (B)

Included services:

* Deluxe hotel accommodation (double occupancy) with daily American breakfast

* Domestic airfare and airport taxes

* Round trip transfers in each city

* Comprehensive guided tours, visits and excursions in a private vehicle with English-speaking guide.

* Admission and entrance fees

* Lunch and dinner indicated per your itinerary

* Evening cultural performances

* Applicable hotel taxes and domestic airport tax.

Not Included:

* International air fare

* China Visa fee

* Other costs not stated as included

* Tips, beverages and extra services

This trip can be customised to meet your personal interest and schedule. This is a private journey based on minimum of two travelers, not a big coach tour. Solo travel can be arranged with a supplement cost.